Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscape of Bhutan, Paro International Airport (Dzongkha: སྤ་རོ་གནམ་ཐང༌ paro nam thang) stands as an international gateway to this enchanting nation. Operated and meticulously managed by the Department of Air Transport, Paro Airport is located just 3.5 kilometers from the Paro Town, cradled within a deep valley along the serene banks of the Pa Chhu river. Set against a backdrop of towering peaks, some reaching an astounding elevation of 5,500 meters (18,000 feet), it has earned its reputation as one of the world’s most formidable airports. Only a select cadre of skilled pilots holds the distinction of being certified to undertake landings at this challenging aviation hub. Embarking on a flight into the captivating embrace of the Paro valley is an experience filled with exhilaration and wonder.
Paro International Airport has received official designations from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and it is recognized by the IATA with the airport code “PBH” and by the ICAO with the airport code “VQPR.”
Flights to and from Paro are allowed under visual meteorological conditions only and are restricted to daylight hours from sunrise to sunset. Paro airport was the only airport in Bhutan until 2011. Paro Airport is accessible by road, 3.5 km from Paro town, and 54 km from Thimphu by Paro-Thimphu road.
From Sunrise to Sunset.
The airport has a single 1,964 m (6,445 ft) asphalt runway.